Past Event

New York City Fire Museum Provides Fire Safety Education Training in its First Collaboration with the Public Housing Community Fund and NYCHA

The New York City Fire Museum launched a fire safety education initiative with

the Public Housing Community Fund and the New York City Housing Authority

(NYCHA), bringing together nearly 100 NYCHA Resident Leaders and other

guests on October 18 for a training session on building and fire safety.

“Fire safety is not just a priority; it's a shared responsibility that affects us all,” said Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of the New York City Fire Museum. “As we gathered with experts and FDNY officials, we were reminded of the critical importance of staying vigilant and well-prepared. The lessons on building and fire safety discussed today underscore the need for constant awareness and proactive measures to protect our communities and our loved ones.”

Among the speakers were: FDNY Chief of Department John Hodgens, FDNY Chief Fire Marshal Daniel Flynn, and Alex Zablocki, the Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund. Lisa Bova-Hiatt, the CEO of NYCHA, provided a special welcome to attendees via video.

Throughout the evening training session, attendees learned about fire and building safety, root causes of fires, and measures to protect themselves and neighbors from fire dangers from trainers and a panel of experts: Joseph Terranova, NYCHA’s Fire Safety Director; Dominick DeRubbio, Principal of the Salvus Group and a member of the NYC Fire Museum’s Board of Trustees; Steven Tagliani, Supervising Fire Marshal and Director of Training, FDNY Bureau of Fire Investigation; Captain Michael Kozo, Commanding Officer of the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit; and Glenn Corbett, Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

“Teaching fire safety education is critically important to the FDNY mission of saving lives and property. We are grateful to our partners at NYCHA, and at the Fire Museum, for collaborating in a meaningful conversation on how to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

“Events like the first ever NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium brings together resident leaders from different backgrounds and communities to help prevent fires and save lives. By participating, resident leaders not only gain knowledge but also strengthen community bonds, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. The Public Housing Community Fund is grateful to our host and partner, NYC Fire Museum, leadership at FDNY and NYCHA for supporting the symposium,” Alex Zablocki, Executive Director, Public Housing Community Fund said. “By supporting NYCHA resident leaders through this fire safety training, we will ensure a safer NYCHA and improve the well-being of the broader community.”

"Enough can't be said about how critical fire safety is for all New Yorkers," said NYCHA Chief Executive Officer Lisa Bova-Hiatt. "At NYCHA, we want residents to remain vigilant, to be prepared, and to be aware of best practices in the instance of a fire, because advance training and preparation could be what ultimately keeps them and their families safe. We thank our partners at the New York City Fire Museum, the Public Housing Community Fund, and the FDNY for their ongoing dedication to keeping NYCHA residents safe."

The New York City Fire Museum is dedicated to educating individuals of all ages, with a particular focus on our youth, about the paramount importance of fire safety. Its mission is rooted in the belief that knowledge is the greatest weapon against the devastating consequences of fires, and the Museum aims to instill a sense of responsibility and preparedness.

Through interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and engaging programs, the Museum provides a dynamic learning environment, and collaborates with schools, community organizations, and families to deliver valuable fire safety lessons.

“With a deep commitment to this cause, we strive to make our city safer by empowering New Yorkers with the knowledge they need to prevent, respond to, and survive fires,” Jennifer Brown said.